2000 BMW 740i recalls
Reported Feb 17, 2000 · 17,700 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake lamps in these vehicles are controlled by a switch activated by the movement of the brake pedal. This switch could fail internally, causing it to remain either in the "brake lamps off" position or in the "brake lamps on" position.
Risk: If this happens, the brake lamps either will not operate or will be continuously illuminated, regardless of brake pedal position.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the existing brake lamp switch with an improved switch.
2000 BMW 740i problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Equipment | 3 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 1
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2000 BMW 740i complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Seats · at 139,100 miles · reported Sep 13, 2017
When seat heater switched on, a burning smell resulted. I switched it off immediately. Inspection of seat afterwards resulted in finding a spot where the leather was burned. Clearly this could result in a burn to the driver or a fire.
Power Train · reported Jun 13, 2011
I purchased this car in may 2009 and shortly after in the summer, august early september, the reverse started to act up. Sometimes I had to wait a short period for the reverse to actually engage. It started to occur more frequently and I had it inspected. The result was that the transmission was the issue. I had the transmission rebuilt in december which cost just over $4000. It is now running fine but II was super irritated since this automobile was supposed to be a luxury vehicle and not a lemon. Bmw should have to compensate customers for these types of issue as I believe a transmission…
Seats · at 140,000 miles · reported Jun 5, 2011
On saturday, june 4, my daughter was driving my 2000 bmw 740i. She had been driving for about 4 blocks and the passenger seat broke out in flames. It began when the car filled with smoke. She did not know what was going on so she pulled over and got out of the car and when she stepped back from the car, she saw flames coming from the seat of the car. The car has heated seats -- but the fire seemed to come from the panel of controls that is on the side of the seat. The fire department was called and they put out the fire in the seat of the car. The menlo park, ca fire department took a report.
Exterior Lighting · at 78,000 miles · reported Mar 8, 2010
The contact has a 2000 bmw 740i. The contact stated that the vehicle's brake lights stay on all the time. This vehicle has a recall campaign number 00v048000. The recall states that if the switch does not have a white stripe on it then it needs to be replaced. The contact feels the vehicle needs the repair because the vehicle does not have the white stripe. The dealer states that since the vehicle was not manufactured between september 1, 1999 and october 28, 1999, that the vehicle will not be covered. The contact feels this is a safety issue. The failure mileage was 78000 and the current…
Power Train · at 82,868 miles · reported Mar 24, 2009
About november of 2007 I began to experience a delay in engaging reverse. I went to have the car serviced for this and the problem was diagnosed as a possible valve body issue with replacement of the transmission being the best solution because they were not sure and it was the only way to be safe. March of 2008 the reverse gear completely failed and from that point until present the car will not reverse. I took the car to a different repair shop for a second opinion and I was told the same thing, "replace the transmission" to be safe. I even contacted bmw of north america about this problem.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2000 BMW 740i have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2000 BMW 740i: 00V-048 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2000 BMW 740i?
Owners report equipment problems most often (3 reports), followed by power train (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,000 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.